2012 Toyota 4Runner Owner Complaints

Complaint Summary
The 2012 Toyota 4Runner has 110 reported complaints.
- Top issues involve air bags and service brakes.
Reliability Score
Reliability Score
Based on 110 complaints
Most Frequent Issues
AIR BAGS
69 62.7%
SERVICE BRAKES
6 5.5%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
6 5.5%
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
6 5.5%
ENGINE
5 4.5%
Quick Insights
The top category is AIR BAGS, accounting for 62.7% of all complaints.
Owners have reported issues across 16 distinct vehicle systems.
Note: Complaint data reflects owner reports and may not always indicate a verified defect. Compare with Recalls and TSBs for a complete picture.
Subscribe to Recall Alerts
Get notified when a new recall or important ownership update lands for the 2012 Toyota 4Runner.
Free alerts based on U.S. recall data. Unsubscribe anytime.
What owners keep reporting on the 2012 Toyota 4Runner
The 2012 Toyota 4Runner has 110 owner complaints in this dataset. AIR BAGS is the most common complaint category, representing about 63% of the reports shown here.
Most common complaint categories
The top complaint groups for the 2012 Toyota 4Runner are AIR BAGS (69), SERVICE BRAKES (6), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (6).
Are these complaints a serious red flag?
Potentially. 99 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems like brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection.
What should buyers inspect on a used 2012 Toyota 4Runner?
Start with the top complaint systems, compare them against the recall report, then inspect service records for evidence that those same areas were already repaired or monitored.
Detailed Complaint Log
Showing 16 of 16 systems
AIR BAGS
69 Reports63% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
I WAS FIRST ONE WAITING AT THE LIGHT, TRAVELING EASTBOUND ON BUTLER/AIRPORT RD. WHEN THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN, I PROCEEDED THROUGH THE INTERSECTION. WHEN I WAS ABOUT HALFWAY TO THREE-QUARTERS THROUGH THE INTERSECTION, I NOTICED A MINI COOPER APPROACHING RAPIDLY, HEADING NORTHBOUND ON SHUTE RD. I KNEW SHE WAS GOING TO HIT ME, SO I ATTEMPTED TO SWERVE LEFT TO AVOID A HIGH IMPACT COLLISION. I DIDN'T HEAR HER BRAKES UNTIL THE POINT OF IMPACT, SHE T-BONED MY 4RUNNER HITTING ME IN THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE NEAR THE WHEEL WELL. MY 4RUNNER THAN TIPPED AND ROLLED UPSIDE DOWN. I WAITED UNTIL THE 4RUNNER STOPPED MOVING, UNBUCKLED THE SEAT BELT AND FLIPPED OVER TO THE GROUND (NOW THE ROOF OF THE VEHICLE). I LOOKED AT THE WINDOW AND ATTEMPTED TO PULL/PUSH THE SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG OUT OF THE WAY, I EVEN TRIED KICKING IT A FEW TIMES, BUT IT WAS STILL INFLATED AND WOULDN'T BUDGE. I REMEMBERED THAT I KEPT A POCKETKNIFE IN THE CENTER CONSOLE. I LOOKED FOR IT, AND SAW IT ON THE GROUND. I GOT THE NAIL FILE SECTION OPEN, BUT THAT DIDN'T DO ANYTHING TO THE AIRBAG. I THEN HEARD SOMEONE OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE SHOUT 'HELP IS ON THE WAY, THEY'LL GET YOU OUT'. I ASKED HER IF SHE COULD HELP ME CUT THE AIRBAG, AND HANDED HER THE KNIFE THROUGH THE GAP BETWEEN THE AIRBAG AND THE CAR FRAME. SHE TRIED TO CUT THE CORD THAT CONNECTED THE AIRBAG TO THE CAR BUT THAT DIDN'T WORK, SO I TOLD HER JUST TO SLIT THE BAG ITSELF. SHE WAS ABLE TO DO THAT, AND HELPED ME GET OUT OF THE VEHICLE. I TOOK PICTURES OF THE VEHICLE OVERTURNED A FEW MINUTES LATER, AND THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG WAS STILL INFLATED. I CAN PROVIDE THIS PICTURE UPON REQUEST. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED, AND IS NOW PROPERTY OF STATE FARM, CLAIM #[XXX]. MY CONCERN IS THAT IF THERE WAS A VEHICLE FIRE AND I DID NOT HAVE A POCKET KNIFE, I WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN ABLE TO EXIT THE VEHICLE. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
8/5/2014
I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR THIS VEHICLE (VEHICLE PURCHASED IN ZONE A PER THE RECALL). I INQUIRED ABOUT A RENTAL FROM TOYOTA CORPORATE AS STATED WOULD BE ALLOWED IN THE REMEDY NOTICE. THEY INFORMED ME THAT MY PASSENGER FRONT SEAT IS SAFE TO SIT IN UNTIL AT LEAST MAY OF 2018 (CONTRARY TO THE RECALL REMEDY NOTICE), BUT WILL NOT PROVIDE IN WRITING THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAG IS SAFE/NOT DEFECTIVE THROUGH MAY OF 2018. IT SEEMS TO BE AGAINST PUBLIC POLICY TO TELL CUSTOMERS IT IS SAFE TO SIT IN A SEAT THAT IS DANGEROUS, ESPECIALLY WHEN THE RECALL ITSELF WAS ALREADY PHASED IN. TOYOTA FILED A DIR WITH YOU ON JANUARY 10, 2017 WHICH INVOLVES MY VEHICLE.
2/2/2017
SERVICE BRAKES
6 Reports5% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH AND ATTEMPTING TO BRAKE, THE VEHICLE SEIZED AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO BE THROWN FORWARD. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO KEEP DRIVING THE VEHICLE AFTER THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO THE MATERIAL BEING USED TO MANUFACTURE THE STRUTS. THE FAILURE RECURRED THREE TIMES. THE CONTACT HAD NOT TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO A MECHANIC OR DEALER FOR INSPECTION OR REPAIR. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 5,000. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,000.
6/11/2012
WHILE STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT ON LEVEL GROUND, VEHICLE BEGAN TO CREEP FORWARD WITH FOOT STILL PRESSED FIRMLY ON BRAKE. UNLESS BRAKE IS PRESSED ALMOST TO THE FLOOR, THE VEHICLE TENDS TO CREEP FORWARD WHILE STOPPED AND IN GEAR. PAID MORE ATTENTION TO BRAKES OVER THE NEXT COUPLE DAYS AND ALSO NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE WILL START ROLLING WHEN SHIFTED INTO GEAR WITH FOOT ON THE BRAKE IF BRAKE IS NOT PRESSED ALMOST ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR. THE PROBLEM SEEMS TO BE MORE DEFINED WHEN IT IS HOT OUTSIDE (>95 DEGREES). TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP AND TECHNICIAN NOTED THAT "SOFT BRAKE FEEL" IS A CHARACTERISTIC OF THIS VEHICLE. NO REPAIR WAS ACCOMPLISHED OR OFFERED. *TR
7/30/2012
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
6 Reports5% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
I CAME HOME LAST NIGHT AT ABOUT 9:30 PM AND PARKED THE CAR IN THE GARAGE. THIS MORNING AT 7:30 AM I WENT INTO THE GARAGE AND HEARD A BUZZING SOUND COMING FROM NEAR THE REAR WHEELS OF THE CAR. MY BEST GUESS WAS THE FUEL PUMP WAS STILL RUNNING (I HAD A DIFFERENT PROBLEM WITH A FUEL PUMP NOT RUNNING WHEN THE IGNITION WAS TURNED ON WITH A 2000 JAGUAR ABOUT A YEAR AGO). I TURNED THE IGNITION ON AND OFF WITHOUT CRANKING THE ENGINE, THE BUZZING CONTINUED. I STARTED THE 4RUNNER, RAN IT FOR ABOUT 20 SECONDS, AND SHUT THE ENGINE OFF. BUZZING STOPPED. *TR
7/31/2013
TOYOTA USES NEW GREEN (ENVIRONMENT FRIENDLY) WIRING THAT IS TASTY TO RODENTS AND OTHER PEST- THEY ARE AWARE THAT IT CAN ATTRACT ANIMALS TO EAT THE WIRING AND ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS ON THEIR VEHICLES AND REFUSE TO COVER THE DAMAGES INCURRED ON THE WARRANTY - THEY REFER THE CUSTOMERS TO SEEK MONETARY AIDE FROM THEIR INSURANCE COMPANY - IN MY CASE IT WAS $3000.00 IN DAMAGES TO MY VEHICLE FOR A RAT EATING THE WIRES /ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. MY INSURANCE PAID FOR IT - BUT HOW CAN I BE ASSURED IT WILL NOT OCCUR AGAIN. ?? TOYOTA NEEDS TO BE RESPONSIBLE. *TR
10/15/2014
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
6 Reports5% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
SQUIRRELS KEEP EATING MY ELECTRICAL WIRING AND THE WIRING HARNESS. THEY ACCESS THE ENGINE BAY THROUGH THE OPENINGS IN THE WHEEL WELLS AFTER JUMPING ON TOP OF THE TIRES. THE RESULTS HAVE DISABLED MY ABS, 4WD, LIMITED SLIP, ETC. I'VE TRIED RODENT REPELLENT, FOX URINE, AND PARKING IN THE GARAGE. NOTHING HELPS. TOYOTA NEEDS TO STOP USING SOY BASED WIRING, AND THEY NEED TO CLOSE THE HOLES IN THE WHEEL WELLS.
4/17/2016
GOT CODE P2440 AND WAS QUOTED 2000. FOR REPAIR AND ONLY JUST 47107 MILES
9/13/2016
ENGINE
5 Reports5% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
TOYOTA USES NEW GREEN (ENVIRONMENT FRIENDLY) WIRING THAT IS TASTY TO RODENTS AND OTHER PEST- THEY ARE AWARE THAT IT CAN ATTRACT ANIMALS TO EAT THE WIRING AND ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS ON THEIR VEHICLES AND REFUSE TO COVER THE DAMAGES INCURRED ON THE WARRANTY - THEY REFER THE CUSTOMERS TO SEEK MONETARY AIDE FROM THEIR INSURANCE COMPANY - IN MY CASE IT WAS $3000.00 IN DAMAGES TO MY VEHICLE FOR A RAT EATING THE WIRES /ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. MY INSURANCE PAID FOR IT - BUT HOW CAN I BE ASSURED IT WILL NOT OCCUR AGAIN. ?? TOYOTA NEEDS TO BE RESPONSIBLE. *TR
10/15/2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, AN ABNORMAL SMELL EMITTED INTO THE VEHICLE AND IT BECAME EXTREMELY HOT AROUND HIS FEET. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE MADE A LOUD POP NOISE AND AFTER MERGING TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD HE NOTICED FLAMES COMING FROM THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 49,000.
1/14/2015
STEERING
4 Reports4% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
THIS VEHICLE DOES NOT GET ANYTHING CLOSE TO THE 22MPG HIGHWAY MILES PER GALLON AS POSTED ON THE WINDOW STICKER. THE DEALERSHIP TELLS ME THAT THE COMPUTER IS FAULTY AND DOES NOT CALCULATE THE MILEAGE PROPERLY AND THAT IS THE WAY THEY ALL ARE. BUT, I HAVE ALL THE RECEIPTS FOR EVERY TANK OF GAS PURCHASED SINCE NEW. THIS VEHICLE HAS ONLY BEEN GETTING 17.8 MILES TO THE GALLON ON THE HIGHWAY ON AVERAGE. I'VE COMPLAINED TO THE DEALERSHIP TWICE BUT GET THE SAME ANSWER. I CAN'T DEPEND ON THE ON-BOARD COMPUTER READ OUT AS TO THE FUEL MILEAGE, THEY TELL ME - "IT IS INACCURATE". YET, WHEN A FULL 20.5 GALLONS OF GAS ARE FILLED INTO THE TANK, THE COMPUTER CALCULATES 360 MILES TIL EMPTY. AND AFTER 310 MILES, THE FUEL WARING LIGHT COMES ON. I DON'T BELIEVE THE DEALERSHIP AS I HAVE THE RECEIPTS TO PROVE THAT THE COMPUTER IS ACCURATE. THE MPG ARE JUST EXTREMELY EXAGGERATED. I WOULD NOT HAVE BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE KNOWING THAT THE FUEL CONSUMPTION WAS GOING TO BE OFF BY NEARLY 20% . ALSO THE STEERING WHEEL CONTINUES TO SPLIT AT THE BOTTOM OF THE WHEEL. I WILL GO BACK TO HAVE A SECOND WHEEL REPLACED FOR MY NEXT SERVICE, IN A FEW WEEKS. *TR
5/25/2013
AFTER OIL CHANGE THE ECO LIGHT IS NOT ON, KEEP OFF THE OIL USED WAS 5W30. *TR
1/5/2015
SUSPENSION
2 Reports2% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
APPLIED BRAKES FIRMLY AT YELLOW LIGHT AND VEHICLE NOSE DIVED, BRAKES LOCKED AND VEHICLE STATED TO SKID. LET UP ON PEDAL AND APPLIED BRAKES AGAIN AND VEHICLE STOPPED WITHOUT FURTHER DRAMA. DID NOT FEEL THE ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM PULSE THE PEDAL OR HEAR THE SYSTEM GROWL. SECOND TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED UNDER SAME CIRCUMSTANCES. PLENTY OF ROOM TO STOP BEFORE THE LIGHT CHANGED FROM YELLOW TO RED. LIGHT BRAKE APPLICATION ALWAYS REQUIRED TO AVOID VEHICLE NOSE DIVING. LIGHT APPLICATION OF BRAKES DOESN'T SLOW IT VERY WELL. BRAKES SEEM TO BE VERY TOUCHY. LAST VEHICLE WAS A TOYOTA HIGHLANDER WHICH HAD NO BRAKE PROBLEMS. *TR
7/30/2012
I WAS DRIVING IN THE FREEWAY BELTWAY 08 WHEN TEHRAN TRASMISION OF MY CAR RUN OUT LAST SATURDAY 02/04/2018
2/10/2017
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
2 Reports2% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
THIS VEHICLE DOES NOT GET ANYTHING CLOSE TO THE 22MPG HIGHWAY MILES PER GALLON AS POSTED ON THE WINDOW STICKER. THE DEALERSHIP TELLS ME THAT THE COMPUTER IS FAULTY AND DOES NOT CALCULATE THE MILEAGE PROPERLY AND THAT IS THE WAY THEY ALL ARE. BUT, I HAVE ALL THE RECEIPTS FOR EVERY TANK OF GAS PURCHASED SINCE NEW. THIS VEHICLE HAS ONLY BEEN GETTING 17.8 MILES TO THE GALLON ON THE HIGHWAY ON AVERAGE. I'VE COMPLAINED TO THE DEALERSHIP TWICE BUT GET THE SAME ANSWER. I CAN'T DEPEND ON THE ON-BOARD COMPUTER READ OUT AS TO THE FUEL MILEAGE, THEY TELL ME - "IT IS INACCURATE". YET, WHEN A FULL 20.5 GALLONS OF GAS ARE FILLED INTO THE TANK, THE COMPUTER CALCULATES 360 MILES TIL EMPTY. AND AFTER 310 MILES, THE FUEL WARING LIGHT COMES ON. I DON'T BELIEVE THE DEALERSHIP AS I HAVE THE RECEIPTS TO PROVE THAT THE COMPUTER IS ACCURATE. THE MPG ARE JUST EXTREMELY EXAGGERATED. I WOULD NOT HAVE BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE KNOWING THAT THE FUEL CONSUMPTION WAS GOING TO BE OFF BY NEARLY 20% . ALSO THE STEERING WHEEL CONTINUES TO SPLIT AT THE BOTTOM OF THE WHEEL. I WILL GO BACK TO HAVE A SECOND WHEEL REPLACED FOR MY NEXT SERVICE, IN A FEW WEEKS. *TR
5/25/2013
I CAME HOME LAST NIGHT AT ABOUT 9:30 PM AND PARKED THE CAR IN THE GARAGE. THIS MORNING AT 7:30 AM I WENT INTO THE GARAGE AND HEARD A BUZZING SOUND COMING FROM NEAR THE REAR WHEELS OF THE CAR. MY BEST GUESS WAS THE FUEL PUMP WAS STILL RUNNING (I HAD A DIFFERENT PROBLEM WITH A FUEL PUMP NOT RUNNING WHEN THE IGNITION WAS TURNED ON WITH A 2000 JAGUAR ABOUT A YEAR AGO). I TURNED THE IGNITION ON AND OFF WITHOUT CRANKING THE ENGINE, THE BUZZING CONTINUED. I STARTED THE 4RUNNER, RAN IT FOR ABOUT 20 SECONDS, AND SHUT THE ENGINE OFF. BUZZING STOPPED. *TR
7/31/2013
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
2 Reports2% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
I PURCHASED A 2012 TOYOTA TACOMA FROM CFL TOYOTA. THE VIN IS [XXX]AT THE FIRST MAINTENANCE, I REPORTED INSTANCES OF "UNINTENDED ACCELERATION." THE CFL TOYOTA MECHANIC AND, LATER THE TOYOTA OF ORLANDO CUSTOMER REPRESENTATIVE REPORTED THAT THE EVENT IS RELATED TO THE FACT THAT FOR TOYOTAS, THE ENGINE IS USED TO "GEAR DOWN" AND ASSIST IN BRAKING. I HAVE EXPERIENCED UNINTENDED ACCELERATION ABOUT 6 TIMES IN THE TWO YEARS THAT I HAVE OWNED THE TRUCK. ON 1-MAY-2014, AT THE SANDLAKE ROAD ENTRANCE TO LOWES HARDWARE NEAR JOHN YOUNG PARKWAY IN ORLANDO FL, WHILE STOPPED IN LINE TO ENTER A HIGHWAY, MY TOYOTA "LURCHED" (UNINTENDED ACCELERATION) DESPITE THAT FACT THAT MY FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE. I CAUSED DAMAGE TO MY CAR AND THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. I HAD PREVIOUSLY TWICE REPORTED THIS PHENOMENA TO TWO TOYOTA DEALERS. NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED AT THE SCENE. HOWEVER, THE DRIVER OF THE CAR WHICH WAS STRUCK IS SEEKING MEDICAL EVALUATION. I WAS CITED FOR CARELESS DRIVING INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
5/14/2014
APPROXIMATELY 7:45 AM ON 9/18/19, MY SON WHILE COMING HOME FROM WORK, HAD AN ACCIDENT. I WAS NOT WITH HIM AT THE TIME. WHEN HE SHOWED UP AT HOME AFTER THE INCIDENT, HE EXPLAINED HOW HE WAS UNABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE BEFORE IT COLLIDED WITH THE VEHICLE IN FRONT. HE ARTICULATED THAT WHEN HE APPLIED THE BRAKES, IT WAS AS IF HE VEHICLE SPED UP. REMEMBERING YEARS BACK DURING A PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN, THIS WAS AN ISSUE WITH SOME OTHER TOYOTA'S. THE VERDICT WAS THE PLACE MATS INTERFERED WITH THE PEDALS. WHEN I RELEASED THE VEHICLE FROM THE TOW LOT, I CHECKED AND THIS WAS NOT THE CASE AS THE FLOOR MAT WAS SECURE. I HAVE DRIVEN TOYOTA VEHICLES SINCE THE EARLY NINETY'S AND HAVE OWNED FIVE. CHECKING FOR RECALLS AS A RESULT OF THIS I FOUND MULTIPLE INCIDENTS ON RECORD. THE PANIC BRAKING SYSTEM SURPRISED ME THE FIRST TIME I EXPERIENCED IT. LOW SPEEDS (25MPH OR LESS) I THOUGHT A TRUE ASSET BUT BECAUSE OF THE QUICK STOPPING, HIGHER SPEEDS WORRIED ME. NEVER NEEDED THE PANIC BRAKE BUT ONCE. SOME HOW, I BELIEVE THE COMMUNICATION (AI) WITH THE PANIC, ANTI-LOCK, BRAKING SYSTEM, AND THE WAY IT COMMUNICATES SPEED AND CONDITIONS IS THE CULPRIT. THE INSURANCE COMPANY IS IN POSSESSION OF THE 4RUNNER AND I STILL HAVE THE TITLE. PLEASE CONTACT ME TO ADVISE HOW TO PROCEED. THEY SEEM ANXIOUS TO GET THE TITLE BUT I AM ANIMATE TO KNOW IF CONDITIONS OR VEHICLE DEFECTS PLAYED A PART IN THE ACCIDENT. WHEN I MENTIONED THIS TO THE INSURANCE COMPANY, THEY AVOIDED THE ISSUE.
10/11/2019
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
2 Reports2% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
TOYOTA USES NEW GREEN (ENVIRONMENT FRIENDLY) WIRING THAT IS TASTY TO RODENTS AND OTHER PEST- THEY ARE AWARE THAT IT CAN ATTRACT ANIMALS TO EAT THE WIRING AND ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS ON THEIR VEHICLES AND REFUSE TO COVER THE DAMAGES INCURRED ON THE WARRANTY - THEY REFER THE CUSTOMERS TO SEEK MONETARY AIDE FROM THEIR INSURANCE COMPANY - IN MY CASE IT WAS $3000.00 IN DAMAGES TO MY VEHICLE FOR A RAT EATING THE WIRES /ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. MY INSURANCE PAID FOR IT - BUT HOW CAN I BE ASSURED IT WILL NOT OCCUR AGAIN. ?? TOYOTA NEEDS TO BE RESPONSIBLE. *TR
10/15/2014
LEAVING THE SONIC DRIVE IN PARKING LOT MY VECHILE DIED AS I WAS TURNING ON THE STREET. IT SHOWED THAT THE GAS TANK HAD A 1/4 TANK OF GAS BUT THE TANK WAS EMPTY
3/25/2020
STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE
1 Report1% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
LIFTGATE STRUTS ON HATCH FAILED YESTERDAY. WHILE I WAS GETTING SOMETHING OUT OF THE BACK OF MY 2012 4 RUNNER ONE OF THE LIFTGATE STRUTS GAVE OUT AND THE HATCH CAME DOWN ON ME AND HIT ME IN THE HEAD. I HAVE KNOT AND A SORE NECK FROM THIS. MY CONCERN IS WHAT IF IT HAD BEEN ONE OF MY CHILDREN BACK THERE GETTING SOMETHING FROM THE CAR WHEN IT GAVE WAY, THEY WOULD OF BEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED. I HAVE READ SEVERAL FORUMS ONLINE AND THIS SEEMS TO BE A VERY COMMON THING FOR THE LIFT GATE STRUTS TO GO OUT, I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY THIS IS NOT A RECALL. *TR
4/21/2015
STRUCTURE:BODY
1 Report1% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
SQUIRRELS KEEP EATING MY ELECTRICAL WIRING AND THE WIRING HARNESS. THEY ACCESS THE ENGINE BAY THROUGH THE OPENINGS IN THE WHEEL WELLS AFTER JUMPING ON TOP OF THE TIRES. THE RESULTS HAVE DISABLED MY ABS, 4WD, LIMITED SLIP, ETC. I'VE TRIED RODENT REPELLENT, FOX URINE, AND PARKING IN THE GARAGE. NOTHING HELPS. TOYOTA NEEDS TO STOP USING SOY BASED WIRING, AND THEY NEED TO CLOSE THE HOLES IN THE WHEEL WELLS.
4/17/2016
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
1 Report1% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
APPROXIMATELY 7:45 AM ON 9/18/19, MY SON WHILE COMING HOME FROM WORK, HAD AN ACCIDENT. I WAS NOT WITH HIM AT THE TIME. WHEN HE SHOWED UP AT HOME AFTER THE INCIDENT, HE EXPLAINED HOW HE WAS UNABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE BEFORE IT COLLIDED WITH THE VEHICLE IN FRONT. HE ARTICULATED THAT WHEN HE APPLIED THE BRAKES, IT WAS AS IF HE VEHICLE SPED UP. REMEMBERING YEARS BACK DURING A PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN, THIS WAS AN ISSUE WITH SOME OTHER TOYOTA'S. THE VERDICT WAS THE PLACE MATS INTERFERED WITH THE PEDALS. WHEN I RELEASED THE VEHICLE FROM THE TOW LOT, I CHECKED AND THIS WAS NOT THE CASE AS THE FLOOR MAT WAS SECURE. I HAVE DRIVEN TOYOTA VEHICLES SINCE THE EARLY NINETY'S AND HAVE OWNED FIVE. CHECKING FOR RECALLS AS A RESULT OF THIS I FOUND MULTIPLE INCIDENTS ON RECORD. THE PANIC BRAKING SYSTEM SURPRISED ME THE FIRST TIME I EXPERIENCED IT. LOW SPEEDS (25MPH OR LESS) I THOUGHT A TRUE ASSET BUT BECAUSE OF THE QUICK STOPPING, HIGHER SPEEDS WORRIED ME. NEVER NEEDED THE PANIC BRAKE BUT ONCE. SOME HOW, I BELIEVE THE COMMUNICATION (AI) WITH THE PANIC, ANTI-LOCK, BRAKING SYSTEM, AND THE WAY IT COMMUNICATES SPEED AND CONDITIONS IS THE CULPRIT. THE INSURANCE COMPANY IS IN POSSESSION OF THE 4RUNNER AND I STILL HAVE THE TITLE. PLEASE CONTACT ME TO ADVISE HOW TO PROCEED. THEY SEEM ANXIOUS TO GET THE TITLE BUT I AM ANIMATE TO KNOW IF CONDITIONS OR VEHICLE DEFECTS PLAYED A PART IN THE ACCIDENT. WHEN I MENTIONED THIS TO THE INSURANCE COMPANY, THEY AVOIDED THE ISSUE.
10/11/2019
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
1 Report1% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
APPROXIMATELY 7:45 AM ON 9/18/19, MY SON WHILE COMING HOME FROM WORK, HAD AN ACCIDENT. I WAS NOT WITH HIM AT THE TIME. WHEN HE SHOWED UP AT HOME AFTER THE INCIDENT, HE EXPLAINED HOW HE WAS UNABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE BEFORE IT COLLIDED WITH THE VEHICLE IN FRONT. HE ARTICULATED THAT WHEN HE APPLIED THE BRAKES, IT WAS AS IF HE VEHICLE SPED UP. REMEMBERING YEARS BACK DURING A PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN, THIS WAS AN ISSUE WITH SOME OTHER TOYOTA'S. THE VERDICT WAS THE PLACE MATS INTERFERED WITH THE PEDALS. WHEN I RELEASED THE VEHICLE FROM THE TOW LOT, I CHECKED AND THIS WAS NOT THE CASE AS THE FLOOR MAT WAS SECURE. I HAVE DRIVEN TOYOTA VEHICLES SINCE THE EARLY NINETY'S AND HAVE OWNED FIVE. CHECKING FOR RECALLS AS A RESULT OF THIS I FOUND MULTIPLE INCIDENTS ON RECORD. THE PANIC BRAKING SYSTEM SURPRISED ME THE FIRST TIME I EXPERIENCED IT. LOW SPEEDS (25MPH OR LESS) I THOUGHT A TRUE ASSET BUT BECAUSE OF THE QUICK STOPPING, HIGHER SPEEDS WORRIED ME. NEVER NEEDED THE PANIC BRAKE BUT ONCE. SOME HOW, I BELIEVE THE COMMUNICATION (AI) WITH THE PANIC, ANTI-LOCK, BRAKING SYSTEM, AND THE WAY IT COMMUNICATES SPEED AND CONDITIONS IS THE CULPRIT. THE INSURANCE COMPANY IS IN POSSESSION OF THE 4RUNNER AND I STILL HAVE THE TITLE. PLEASE CONTACT ME TO ADVISE HOW TO PROCEED. THEY SEEM ANXIOUS TO GET THE TITLE BUT I AM ANIMATE TO KNOW IF CONDITIONS OR VEHICLE DEFECTS PLAYED A PART IN THE ACCIDENT. WHEN I MENTIONED THIS TO THE INSURANCE COMPANY, THEY AVOIDED THE ISSUE.
10/11/2019
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
1 Report1% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
I was driving on the expressway, at about 70 to 75 miles. Suddenly the vehicle just slowed down to 40 miles per hour. I almost got hit from the back by a truck. But, then it suddenly picked back up. this has happened several times but the shop nor the dealer could tell me what was wrong. I finally took it to another shop and they said it was the fuel pump. So I start researching to see if there were recalls on the fuel pump and yes their are. But not for my vehicle year. They are for 2013 to 2020. What can I do about that? This started about 3 to 4 months ago.
9/30/2021
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
1 Report1% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
The contact owns a 2012 Toyota 4Runner. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The Police Department called and arranged for the vehicle to be towed to an authorized dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the fuel pump had disintegrated and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall for the failure. No further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 87,000.
6/3/2022
Data and Methodology
Scores are derived from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, normalized by vehicle segment averages.
What are the most common owner complaints for the 2012 Toyota 4Runner?
Are complaints about the 2012 Toyota 4Runner a serious warning sign?
How should buyers use complaint data for the 2012 Toyota 4Runner?
Are complaints about the 2012 Toyota 4Runner severe?
Complaint list entries are sourced from owner-submitted NHTSA ODI records.
Toyota 4Runner: How should complaint data influence buying decisions?
Carfocal links complaint data directly to recall and maintenance routes for the same model year.
- Complaint entries
- 110
- Top-topic view
- 5 grouped topics shown
- Primary source
- NHTSA ODI owner complaint records
We may earn a commission via links on this page.